Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 461 i Deals On Wheels Australia

Pantechs experienced the biggest year-on-year (YOY) leap in enquiries on Australia’s leading truck and machinery classifieds network in the period January 1–October 31, 2020, new data reveals. Almost 1,900 trailers – from A-trailers to water tankers – are advertised for sale across the network comprising Fullyloaded.com.au, OwnerDriver.com.au, TradeTrucks.com.au, TradeEarthmovers.com.au, TradeFarmMachinery.com and TradePlantEquipment.com.au. Off the back of a 17.56 per cent jump in total trailer enquiries in the period, pantechs registered an out-sized 950 per cent increase, ahead of pig trailers (+450 per cent), walking floor trailers (+166.66 per cent), grain trailers (+155.55 per cent) and tippers (+91.66 per cent). Rounding out the top 10 most enquired-upon trailer types were flat decks (+80.65 per cent), refrigerated trailers (+66.66 per cent), B-doubles (+62.5 per cent), side tippers (+55.85 per cent) and tag…

It’s very cool to be part of a build like this Chicken parmigiana! Yes you read that correctly, I’ve just started a story on one of Australia’s coolest Kenworths with the words ‘chicken parmigiana’. No doubt you’re wondering why? Well, I guess that’s a fair question. It would make a really cool story if I was to BS you and say it’s been done on a dare, however I’m sure my editor would have already rewritten the intro if that was the case. No, I’ve used those two words because I stumbled upon this standout truck while enjoying one of the best chicken parmigianas you could ever have! I know that’s a big call. Australians are pretty serious about many things, their footy, the Melbourne Cup, habitually losing to New…

My trucks are not big budget fancy builds I have, in the past, had the pleasure of viewing and photographing some splendidly fantastic, big budget truck restorations. Projects years in the making, with quite literally hundreds of thousands of dollars spent to bring a classic truck back to a representation of its former self. It’s always a pleasure to see and appreciate the skill, craftsmanship and love that is put into every nut and bolt. The restoration of old trucks is, to a degree, a personal expression. A vision realised of what the owner wants the truck to be. For some it’s an open cheque book, no holds barred, full re-incarnation of an original truck. Some choose to customise and remodel, to their own individual taste. For Michael Vella, boss…

A short drive from Mack’s Lehigh Valley plant, the company has a bulldog customer centre and test track. As far as test tracks go, it’s nothing special or particularly demanding. But on a cold snowy Pennsylvania afternoon back in early 2018, it was at least a reasonable venue to climb behind the wheel of Anthem for the first time. Two test units were provided for a few hours – one a day cab, the other a flat-roof sleeper, each powered by a modest 430hp (321kW) version of the MP8 engine coupled to an mDrive transmission, and each towing a loaded flat-top trailer. Anyway, with Anthem now almost certainly on the cusp of an Australian release, but not knowing when or even if we’ll be invited for an official test drive,…

The vast majority of trailer brands drew increased interest from buyers on Australia’s leading truck and machinery classifieds network in the period January 1–October 31, 2020, new data reveals. Leading the pack was Lusty EMS, which saw enquiries jump 1,200 per cent year-on-year (YOY) – well above its 53.05 per cent increase in searches. Hot on its heels was Victoria-based Lucar (+900 per cent); WA’s Bruce Rock Engineering (+500 per cent); drop deck, low loader, tipper and tanker manufacturer Bullet Trailers (+250 per cent); and temperature-controlled trailer specialist FTE (+250 per cent). Rounding out the top 10 were: Graham Lusty (+200 per cent); Howard Porter (+200 per cent); Maxi-Cube (+200 per cent); Freightmaster (+180 per cent); Tieman (+166.66 per cent); FWR (+160 per cent); Tefco (+150 per cent); Boomerang (+100…

hotel rooms are booking fast The last show to feature heavy equipment and machinery was also the last show at the RNA Brisbane Showgrounds – back in 2009. The show’s hand was forced by the redevelopment of the showgrounds, however the move to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre has been well rewarded. Exhibitors have been able to really step it up with the quality of their displays in one of the world’s great venues. The Brisbane Truck Show is the only event that takes over the whole centre, with fantastic displays filling all three floors. The proximity to South Bank and the CBD has opened up new opportunities for truck displays, networking, dining and entertainment. If there was one, the only downside was that there was nowhere for the…

The opening of the new branch was required to meet the growing local customer demand. Truck and trailer parts specialist Truckzone, previously known as Gleeman and Coburg, has recently opened a new store in Rockhampton, Queensland. The centrally-located new branch features a showroom and warehouse fully stocked with truck and trailer parts and accessories of the well-known brands in Australia. This initiative is part of a nation-wide effort by the aftermarket and original equipment parts retailer and distributor to extend its network of 11 company-owned stores. According to the SMP Group CEO Mick Henderson, the new addition is going to extend and facilitate Truckzone’s national offering. “We are excited about our new branch opening,” he says. “It is important for us to grow the Truckzone family and expand our national…

Designed with the driver in mind Any driver would be proud to find themselves behind the wheel Despite the frustrations stemming from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Volvo Group Australia (VGA) has swum against the tide, embarking on what it states is its biggest launch ever with a new range of FM, FMX, FH and FH16 models, just in time for Christmas. VGA states that all new Volvo models will be built at its production facility in Wacol, Queensland. According to Volvo, the new range has been designed with the driver in mind, pointing to “unparalleled levels of comfort, driveability and safety”. “Long-haul drivers don’t just drive our trucks; they often live in them, however even in an urban distribution environment drivers also need a safe comfortable workplace,” states…

Where will the first commercial vehicles market year of the 2020s sit, given the decade previous? We will know for sure next month but there is a good chance it will be marvelled at as an exercise in resilience. Sales in the 11th calendar month are at 3,174 for a year-to-date (YTD) of 30,998, according to Truck Industry Council (TIC) T-Mark figures. The market has been tracking somewhere between the mid-decade doldrums of 2016 and the roots of the later spike in 2017. So, with 2016 at 2,956 and 29,903 and 2017 at 3,630 and 33,352, the trend towards being near-equidistant is all but set in stone. The month-on-month (MOM) figure tells a story, too. That is, the recovery continues, though the acceleration eased somewhat last month; the MOM totals…

The variety of products and solutions at Diesel Dirt & Turf is far ranging There is something special about a field day. Whether it’s the variety of exhibits or the fun atmosphere, field days always draw a crowd. The National Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo is no different, with visitors enjoying the relaxed, family-friendly experience. In April 2021, this annual Expo will continue at the recently refurbished Sydney Dragway at Eastern Creek. This new home for the Expo provides all the facilities and security for a great all-weather exhibition area. Not only is the new site excellent for exhibitors, the new Expo layout makes it easy to access all sites. The variety of products and solutions at Diesel Dirt & Turf is far ranging – from site preparation, earthmoving equipment…

It has been a long time coming, but if the whispers are correct and Mack’s new Anthem does actually debut on the Australian market in early 2021, it will be an incredibly momentous occasion for the bulldog breed in this country. A milestone for true celebration.. Not because of its unique Tonka toy looks or the fact that Mack will finally boast a high-rise stand-up cab and ‘crawler gear’ transmission option. No, the real celebration will come from the fact that it’s now 20 years since Volvo bought Mack and, at long last, after endless hard questions and weak answers, the Swedish corporation’s megaphone mantra on the vital importance of safety will finally extend to Mack’s Australian operation. Indeed, it is becoming increasingly apparent that Anthem will be the first…